Finger Lakes AVA
The Finger Lakes American Viticultural Area (AVA) in upstate New York is characterized by eleven long, glacial lakes that temper the region’s cool climate. Viticulture here began in 1829 when Episcopal minister William Bostwick planted native Catawba and Isabella vines; commercial wineries followed in the 1860s, with Pleasant Valley Wine Company earning international acclaim for its sparkling wines. By 1900, more than 20,000 acres of vineyards and over fifty wineries lined the lakes, but phylloxera, competition from California and Prohibition decimated the industry. The modern resurgence owes much to Ukrainian immigrant Dr. Konstantin Frank, who proved that Vitis vinifera could thrive if grafted onto cold-hardy American rootstock. His Vinifera Wine Cellars, founded in 1962, sparked a renaissance and inspired dozens of new wineries.
The lakes themselves play a vital role. Deep bodies such as Seneca and Cayuga rarely freeze; their stored summer heat radiates back to the surrounding hillsides, extending the growing season and protecting vines from early frosts. Today the Finger Lakes AVA includes more than 150 wineries and around 10,000 acres under vine. Riesling is the flagship variety, praised for its taut acidity and purity, while Chardonnay, Gewürztraminer, Cabernet Franc and cool-climate Pinot Noir also perform well. The region has become synonymous with world-class off-dry and dry Rieslings, vibrant sparkling wines and even ice wines, showing that New York can rival established European regions. Sustainability initiatives and growing tourism underline the Finger Lakes as a dynamic, evolving wine landscape. Wine Enthusiast named the Finger Lakes American Wine Region of the Year 2025.
